WASHINGTON, DC- GNUSA
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis released the following statement on Turkey’s F-16 deployment to occupied Cyprus, urging the lifting of the U.S. arms embargo on Cyprus.
“Turkey’s decision to deploy F-16s to occupied Cyprus—in direct violation of U.S. law—is a brazen provocation against a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and an insult to every American taxpayer who funds our security partnerships. This deployment clearly in addition to previous illegal overflights above NATO ally Greece’s islands, show that Turkey cannot be trusted with advanced American military hardware. It endangers Cyprus’s sovereignty, destabilizes the region, and calls for a response from Congress. That response is H.R. 4413, the End Cyprus Embargo Act, which recently passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and I am proud to co-lead alongside Reps. Pappas, Bilirakis, Titus, and Kean. Our bill removes the outdated arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus -a sovereign, democratic ally- and ensures our partners in the Eastern Mediterranean can defend themselves. I urge House leadership to bring our legislation to the floor without delay.
The urgency couldn’t be clearer. The State Department has increased the travel advisory for Cyprus to Level 3 and authorized non-emergency personnel to leave. Cyprus, again, will serve as a vital humanitarian hub for civilians fleeing the Middle East, including American citizens. We should ensure they are equipped with the best defensive systems available.
The arms embargo doesn’t just block Cyprus from getting weapons—it also prevents them from planning for future threats. Because the current waiver is only for one year at a time, Cyprus cannot sign multiyear procurement and sustainment contracts needed for advanced air defense systems. As a result, they lack the capabilities necessary to intercept the drone threats we see today. Remove the embargo permanently, and Cyprus would likely start buying these systems from U.S. industry — a win for our ally, a boost for American defense jobs, and a step toward regional stability.
Actions have consequences. Turkey’s conduct in Cyprus must be addressed with action, not silence”.
